USA’s run in World Cup comes to an end
Admit it.
You found yourself sneaking a peek to see how the USA-Belgium World Cup quarterfinal match was playing out. And, while you’re offering true confessions, you were covertly (or, perhaps, overtly) rooting for the guys in white to pull out a win, weren’t you?
While I’m at it, you were bummed when the Americans weren’t able to net the tying goal in the waning moments of extra time (extra time is OT; added time is the extra time attached to the end of regulation time), weren’t you?
A coach has to play with the cards in his hand, but Jurgen Klinsmann and his American squad did not press the action nearly enough and played in their quarter of the field entirely too much.
Well, the boys have four years to start getting it right.
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Lost in all the World Cup hoopla was the move of your Pirates to over .500. The Buccos were 42-40 heading into the home series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, 7½ games behind the Milwaukee Brewers and a mere 1½ games out of second place in the Central Division.
Pittsburgh has won seven of its past 10 games going into Tuesday’s home game with the Diamondbacks, but haven’t necessary done so by storm.
Quite honestly, sometimes the Pirates win despite themselves.
Take for example poor ol’ Jason Grilli. In the time it’s taken Jeff Locke to work his way back into the major league rotation, Grilli went from closer, to set-up guy, to on the next plane out of town (and off my Fantasy League roster). He was such a great story, but Grilli, whether due to injury or not, just didn’t have it and I believe the Pirates did him right.
Unfortunately, Grilli picked up with the Angels right where he left off with the Pirates when a hit-batsmen, a botched fielder’s choice and a single led to another loss on Sunday.
I don’t care how they do it, just so the Pirates keep scoring one more run than the other team more often than not.
(And, on a personal note, I’d like to see Starling Marte get on a tear. My fantasy team is languishing at 3-10 right now and I can use a win really bad. Columnist note: Marte just doubled in two runs. It’s a Marte Partay!)
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Feel kinda bad for Arizona Diamondbacks’ starter Wade Miley. He deserved to win, but Ike Davis just made him the losing pitcher.
Buccos win again!!!!
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With the Pirates slipping over .500 in the past week, the Pittsburgh area now has all three teams currently in action winning more than losing.
The Pittsburgh Power’s impressive 9-game winning streak has the AFL squad at 12-3 with three games remaining in the regular season. They clinched their first playoff berth a couple weeks ago.
The Pittsburgh Passion improved to 9-0 last weekend and play in the second round of the playoffs on July 12 at home in Cupples Stadium.
As of this writing, the Washington Wild Things are also on the plus side at 24-15.
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Josh Harrison just had the most-technically sound throw to home to throw out Gerardo Parra. Should be must watching in the outfielders’ video study.
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The things going on with the Penguins are so dizzying right now I need some time to digest all that’s changed, so I’ll just wish you all a safe and happy Fourth of July! Enjoy!